Amy Dowden made history as the first Welsh professional dancer to join BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, stepping onto the ballroom floor in 2017. Since then, she’s become a household name and a fan-favourite, earning praise for her passion, precision and powerful storytelling through dance.
Amy Dowden latest news – In the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Amy partnered Apprentice Star Thomas Skinner
Learn more about Amy Dowden’s dancing career, dance partners, relationships, awards, photos, facts, age, height, and read her latest news, announcements and tours. Table of Contents
Who is Amy Dowden?
Amy Dowden is one of the UK’s most accomplished Ballroom and Latin American dancers and a former British National Champion. Known for her fierce competitive streak and heart-warming partnerships, she has consistently ranked among the top-tier pros on Strictly.
Who was Amy’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2025?
For the 2025 Season of Strictly Come Dancing, Amy partnered Apprentice Star Thomas Skinner (age 33). Thomas is best known for appearing on BBC’s The Apprentice and for his larger-than-life personality.
Amy and Thomas were sadly the first couple to leave the competition. The judges decision was unanimous, their Salsa was Bonkers but wasn’t enough to keep them in the competition as the judges felt it lacked Salsa content.
As promised they delivered big energy and lots of laughs, with Amy’s creative choreography pushing Thomas beyond his comfort zone. We were sad to see them leave so soon.
On joining Strictly 2025 Thomas says:
“I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”
Who was Amy’s Strictly partner in 2024?
In 2024, Amy was partnered with JB Gill (age 37), best known for his time with JLS, the boyband who were X Factor runners-up in 2008.
Their partnership brought fun, nostalgia, and genuine connection to the screen. JB previously won the 2012 Strictly Christmas Special, dancing a high-scoring jive with Ola Jordan.
JB on joining Strictly 2024:
“I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it… From muddy wellies on the farm to sequins and glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!”
What dances did Amy and JB perform on Strictly 2024?
- Week 1: Waltz to When I Need You by Leo Sayer – an elegant comeback for Amy
- Movie Week: American Smooth to Pure Imagination – full of heart and golden ticket magic
- Week 5: Jive to Hey Ya! – saved in the dance-off, praised for timing but needing lightness
- Halloween Week: Amy fell ill backstage, later recovering, but a foot injury forced her to withdraw. JB continued dancing with Lauren Oakley, and they made it all the way to the final.
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Strictly’s Amy Dowden chats about Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks
Google Reviews of Donahey’s Weekend Breaks
Amy Dowden Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
How old is Amy Dowden?
Amy is 34 years old, born on 10th August 1991.
What is tall is Amy?
Amy stands at approximately 5ft 9in (175cm) tall.
Where is Amy from?
Amy hails from Caerphilly in South Wales, where she began her dance journey aged just eight.
Is Amy in a relationship?
Yes – Amy is married to fellow professional dancer and long-term partner Ben Jones. They tied the knot in South Wales on 2 July 2022, with many of Amy’s Strictly friends in attendance.
Their wedding was originally planned for 2020 but postponed twice due to the pandemic.
What are Amy’s greatest dance achievements?
Amy’s accolades include:
- British National Champion
- Four-time British National Finalist
- World Championship Semi-Finalist in 2015
- One of the highest-ranking Latin & Ballroom dancers in the UK
She has competed alongside many fellow Strictly pros throughout her career.
What has Amy partnered on Strictly?
| Year | Celebrity Partner | Position |
| 2017 | Brian Conley | 12th (eliminated Week 5) |
| 2018 | Danny John-Jules | 9th (eliminated Week 7) |
| 2019 | Karim Zeroual | 2nd (runner-up) |
| 2020 | JJ Chalmers | 6th (eliminated Week 7) |
| 2021 | Tom Fletcher | 7th (eliminated Week 9) |
| 2022 | James Bye | 11th (eliminated Week 6) |
| 2024 | JB Gill | Withdrew (foot injury, Week 6) |
Who is Amy’s professional dance partner outside Strictly?
Amy’s pro partner in competitions (and in life) is Ben Jones – her husband and long-time dance collaborator. Amy also tours & performs with Strictly Professional Carlos Gu.
What’s Amy’s favourite dance?
Amy has often expressed her love for the Rumba, citing its emotional depth and artistry.
When did Amy join Strictly?
Amy joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, proudly becoming the first Welsh professional dancer on the show.
“Off the dance floor I may seem sweet, but when I put my dance shoes on – I’m passionate, determined and a perfectionist!” – Amy Dowden on joining Strictly
Has Amy ever won Strictly?
Not yet! But she came incredibly close – reaching the 2021 final with Karim Zeroual and remaining a strong fan-favourite.
Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners
What health challenges has Amy Dowden faced?
In May 2023, Amy revealed her diagnosis with stage 3 breast cancer. This was in addition to her long-term battle with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic digestive condition she’s lived with since childhood.
By February 2024, Amy announced her latest scans showed “no evidence of disease.” She celebrated her recovery with a joyful ‘Ring The Bell’ party at Shangri-La at The Shard, London in September 2024.
What is ‘Strictly Amy: Crohn’s & Me’?
Amy’s BAFTA Cymru-winning BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Crohn’s & Me, gave an honest and emotional insight into life with an invisible illness. She shared her personal journey and connected with others living with Crohn’s Disease.
Find it on BBC iPlayer or Amy’s Strictly profile page.
Amy Dowden Fact?
In May 2025 Amy filmed Celebrity Hunted with pro partner Carlos Gu
The pro dancer swapped the ballroom for being on the run as part of the celebrity edition of the hit show in.
The show is expected to air in January 2026
What else is Amy Dowden doing?
In addition to dancing, Amy currently works as a TV presenter on ITV’s Lorraine.
Find out more about Amy’s dancing profile on her official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekends are not associated with BBC Studios
Amy Dowden Tour Dates & Venues
Find out all about Carlos Gu & Amy Dowden’s 2025 Tour – Reborn
www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Oti Mabuse
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
